Synonyms of seeming

seeming 1 of 3

adjective

as in apparent

appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed

a seeming contradiction that disappeared upon closer analysis of the text

Synonyms & Similar Words

• apparent
• presumed
• possible
• obvious
• probable
• supposed
• evident
• ostensible
• assumed
• putative
• reputed
• alleged
• prima facie
• plausible
• likely
• ostensive
• superficial
• visible
• distinct
• outward
• demonstrable
• external
• conceivable
• manifest
• supposable
• illusory
• imaginary
• misleading
• deceptive
• purported
• delusive
• illusive
• specious
• clear
• feigned
• claimed
• plain
• professed
• delusory
• pseudo
• phony
• fake
• pretended
• faked
• put-on
• so-called

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hidden
• impossible
• unlikely
• improbable
• inconceivable
• real
• actual
• implausible
• inapparent
• sure
• genuine
• valid
• confirmed
• established
• validated
• substantiated
• corroborated
• verified
• authenticated

seeming

2 of 3

noun

ˈsē-miŋ 

as in appearance

outward and often deceptive indication

her altruism is all seeming—she cares only about herself

Synonyms & Similar Words

• appearance
• face
• impression
• effect
• show
• semblance
• name
• outward
• guise
• first blush
• implication
• resemblance
• pretense
• suggestion
• air
• hint
• display
• likeness
• affectation
• pose
• representation
• demonstration
• imitation
• surface
• insinuation
• cloak
• image
• fiction
• mask
• simulation
• facade
• disguise
• front
• masquerade
• shape
• exterior
• veneer
• gloss
• shell
• imposture
• make-believe
• patina
• Potemkin village

seeming

3 of 3

verb

present participle of seem

as in looking

to give the impression of being

I tried to cheer them up because they seemed depressed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• looking
• feeling
• sounding
• appearing
• acting
• making
• pretending
• resembling
• suggesting
• coming off (as)
• implying
• coming across (as)
• recalling
• dissembling
• hinting
• insinuating

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective seeming contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of seeming are apparent, illusory, and ostensible. While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.

the seeming simplicity of the story

In what contexts can apparent take the place of seeming?

The synonyms apparent and seeming are sometimes interchangeable, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.

the apparent cause of the accident

When is it sensible to use illusory instead of seeming?

The words illusory and seeming can be used in similar contexts, but illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.

an illusory sense of security

When could ostensible be used to replace seeming?

The words ostensible and seeming are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

How does the adjective seeming contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of seeming are apparent, illusory, and ostensible. While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.

the seeming simplicity of the story

In what contexts can apparent take the place of seeming?

The synonyms apparent and seeming are sometimes interchangeable, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.

the apparent cause of the accident

When is it sensible to use illusory instead of seeming?

The words illusory and seeming can be used in similar contexts, but illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.

an illusory sense of security

When could ostensible be used to replace seeming?

The words ostensible and seeming are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

How does the adjective seeming contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of seeming are apparent, illusory, and ostensible. While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.

the seeming simplicity of the story

In what contexts can apparent take the place of seeming?

The synonyms apparent and seeming are sometimes interchangeable, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.

the apparent cause of the accident

When is it sensible to use illusory instead of seeming?

The words illusory and seeming can be used in similar contexts, but illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.

an illusory sense of security

When could ostensible be used to replace seeming?

The words ostensible and seeming are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of seeming

Adjective

These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire. —Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026

Kate and Camilla appeared to have coordinated their Commonwealth Day outfits, as the royal women chose navy blue and red in a seeming nod to the Union Jack colors on March 9. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 9 Mar. 2026

Noun

The hiatus makes The Rip the kind of nostalgia-inducing star vehicle that should pique viewers’ curiosity—which is why its seeming disinterest in the leads’ personal connection is so bizarre. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026

Most other politicians would have been felled by any one of these seeming missteps. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 20 Jan. 2026

Verb

The resulting works were breathtaking, immersing the viewer in luminous veils of paint that swept across the canvas, seeming to splash back up from the bottom, creating an enveloping sense of tranquility and awe that pushed against the jittery energy of Abstract Expressionism. —News Desk, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026

Though reluctant to draw a direct line between the recent rise in temperatures across the region and the seeming rise in snakebites, Andrew Dowd, public information officer for the Ventura County Fire Department, said warm weather typically brings out wildlife. —Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2026